Weather and Weddings

Outdoor weddings are beautiful; sun and blue skies, saying your vows before the blue water, pledging to each other under the beautiful oak tree that your grandparents planted when they got married.
It is beautiful and serene, right? It can be. It can also be a lot of extra work!
Outdoor weddings are more expensive than indoor weddings. Weather, birds, bugs, electric issues, wind, you get the picture. If you must have an outdoor wedding, please, please, please have a back up plan!

Weddings and dogs

It is a growing trend among couples to include their pets in the wedding festivities.
This is fine, but please remember that animals are just that---animals. They do not think like us, nor act as they should at times, so if your pet decides to run through the aisles or suddenly have a call of nature, have a back-up plan; bring their kennel!

Weddings outside

I tell so many of my brides that if you are going to have a wedding outside, please, please, please have a backup plan.
Mother Nature has a mind of her own and if it decides to rain or storm and you have no inside back-up you are SOL!

Taking a breath

Stressed out couples! I hear this so many times that I have lost count! Over and over the biggest complaint I receive is that the bride is stressed out. She doesn't know what to do.
Take a deep breath, call your finance` and talk it out. Don't forget the real reason why you are getting married in the first place. It isn't the new dress, the flowers, the ring, the guests---it is your love for each other.
Go on a date together, go on a picnic, take a walk together, or just sit and hold hands.
"I don't have time to do that!" Then you should NOT be getting married!

Yours, Mine and Theirs

When did weddings become public domain?
A couple announces their wedding and suddenly everyone has an opinion about the festivities.
They tell you where you should have your reception, what music to play, what food to serve and what colors would look best.
What about what the couple wants? Do they have a say? According to many of my brides, apparently not.
So many of them are so exhausted of the arguments and battles with family and friends that suddenly eloping looks pretty darn good!
I think that this is terribly sad and cause for thought; maybe someone needs to say, "No!"

Every Saturday

Why does every wedding seem like it is on a Saturday? Probably because it is!
Couples tell me that they can't have it on a different day because no one would come! Really?
Your friends and family--the ones that really mean the most to you and care about you, would not come to a Friday evening or Sunday celebration? Then maybe they aren't the friends and family that you want at your wedding in the first place!
There are only so many Saturdays in a year! It really cuts down on the venues available. Besides, the cost to rent a venue on Saturday is sometimes quite a bit higher because they know that their space is at a premium.
Break out of the norm and get married on a Friday night; use the rest of the weekend for family fun days, or have a family gathering on Saturday and the ceremony on Sunday. Break away from the norm--be an individual; show your style and create lasting memories.

Favors

Many couples ask me about giving favors to their guests at their receptions.

I have an opinion, but before I give you mine----give me yours.....

Proposals

Part of my job is to present proposals to couples. It might be a proposal for their wedding planning or it may be for decorating their wedding ceremony and reception. Whatever it is for, it is very hard to present knowing that most everyone wants something for nothing.
I hate to say it, but my time is very valuable. Putting a price on it is difficult sometimes. However, the old adage is true---you get what you pay for!

There are many ways to save money on your wedding. Make your priorities and stick to them! Don't be afraid to pay for the most important things to you; the services or products that will create the lasting memories.

Reserved Tables

I was at a wedding this past weekend where the bride and groom did not have reserved tables nor seating assignments for their guests.
I realize that many couples do not want to "tell " their guests where to sit, but in all fairness, they should!
The couple's parents were not given a place of honor seated near the bridal party. That in itself was a terrible faux pas.
The spouses and significant others of the bridal party sat wherever and were not close to their loved ones.
This is not acceptable and please do not allow this to happen at your wedding reception!
Give those guests that deserve the special honor their due.

All types of personalities

I met with a couple last night that has planned their reception in a very contemporary art gallery.
It sounds delightful. As I listened to their plans, I was enchanted with the fact that the groom was just as involved as the bride and they both brought a lot to the discussion of their special day.
I love the uniqueness of each person and the challenges we conquer as we plan a wedding around their styles.

Reception ideas

Couples, please share your unique reception ideas.

I have many brides looking for a unique way to entertain guests as well as put their own personal stamp of style on their special day.

If you have some wonderful ideas to share, I would love to hear!

Setting the Date

Many couples are getting married this year on 07/07/07. A fun date to put on your invitations!
Setting the date for your wedding is very important. This date will become your wedding anniversary and will remind you every year in the future of your commitment to each other.
Of course, it is also a good excuse to remind your husband to buy the bling!

Resorts and Weddings

There are many resorts that cater to weddings. They have ballrooms or conference rooms that are large enough for 200-350 guests, exclusive catering, and have on-site associates to help with rooms and logistics.
But....remember, that a "wedding coordinator" that is hired and staffed by the resort is just that---hired to work for the resort. She is not paid by you, so therefore does not always have your best interests at heart.
Hire a professional wedding planner (not a coordinator--yes there is a difference!) to protect your interests and turn your wedding dreams into reality!
www.specialelegantevents.com

Traveling

I am traveling up to northwest Iowa this weekend.
I am meeting a bride and her mother to discuss a wedding in Okoboji this fall.
I have to confess that I have lived in Iowa my entire life and this is the first time that I have been to Lake Okoboji.
It is very nice, but maybe not in 8 degree weather!
It is unbearably cold up here! I am going back to Des Moines to double digits!

Keeping the peace

I work with an amazing staff of professionals to produce flawless weddings and every girl's dream day!
Celeste does wonderful things with paper and Marla has the most beautiful linens.
Amy does fantastic things with fabric and lights, and Nina captures it all perfectly on film.
Jill creates the most delicious cakes, and Water Lily Formals has the most beautiful dresses.

What more do you need?

A New Day

Many brides come to me when they are harried, worried, dealing with MIL and friends and family members.
They are tired and wondering just why they are getting married in the first place!

My advice? Go to bed! Get some rest; talk to your fiance`; meditate, yoga, exercise, walk your dog, buy a new pair of shoes..... You get the idea.

It is one day! ONE DAY! Don't sweat the small stuff and keep true to yourself.

Back home

After a trip to Texas and then to Nashville, TN., I am back home and back to work.

I love traveling, but am not so sure that one should travel with one's parents after a certain age!
Maybe the same thing applies to weddings. When you get to be a certain age, you pretty well know how you want your wedding to be. Moms and Dads are great to confer with, but a girl has to exert some independence! Right?